Hepatitis B is an inflammation disease of the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is primarly transmitted through blood during blood transfusion, IV drugs injections and skin breaks from an infected person but it can also be transmitted from the mother to a child during birth.  It is also present in saliva, semen and vaginal secretions of an infected individual.

 

Hepatitis B Pathophysiology

The whole infection process starts once an individual is exposed to hepatitis B virus but since hepatitis B virus has a long incubation period (lasting in between 1 - 6 months), the virus remains and replicates inside the liver, enabling the spread of the virus. Most people infected with the hepatitis B virus do not develop any symptoms but they remain carriers and they can transmit the virus to other people.  The good thing is that, about 90% of people who contract HBV infection, develop antibodies and they recover from the infection in 6 months. However, chronic or long term infections with hepatitis B virus can lead to liver damage and may be fatal.

 

Hepatitis B Risk Groups

The following are groups of individuals who are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis B;

 

Hepatitis B Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include;

Hepatitis B Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hepatitis B involve use of blood to detect the hepatitis B antigens.  In about 80% to 90% of the individuals infected with hepatitits B, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) usually appears within 1 to 10 weeks after initial exposure or within 2 to 8 weeks after the symptoms onset.  Blood testing also include detecting of HBeAg that appears a week after HBsAg and hepatitis B DNA testing for viral load.

 

Other tests and assessment to diagnose hepatitis B include;

 

Hepatitis B Treatment and Management

In acute cases of hepatitis B infections, no anti-viral medications in indicated but patients may require treatment for the resulting symptoms. For example, fluid replacement may be ordered for dehydrated patients or patients experiencing vomiting, anti-acids for dyspeptic patients. Best rest, frequent monitoring and nutritional support are also an important part of managment.

 

Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment

The goal of hepatitis B treatment is directed towards minimizing the inflammation and to slow down the infection process, as well as to decrease the resulting symptoms.  Anti-viral medications like alpha-interferon is usually given for  4 to 6 months. Other approved anti-viral medications like lamivudine (Epivir) and adefovir has also been used to treat chronic hepatitis B infections.

 

Generally, the type of treatment given will be determined by many factors, such as, the stage of disease progression and the overall health status of the patient.  Most of these anti-virus medications result into serious side effects and this the reason why such medications are only given to chronic hepatitis patients whose infections are likely to advance to an active form.  

 

Hepatitis B Prevention

The following are preventive measures to prevent acquiring and transmission of hepatits B virus;